You Can Beat the Crowds
The summer months are the main event at Estes Park. This is when the number of rooms available is low and entrances to national parks are at their peak for the duration of the season. We keep track of visitor count very carefully (it’s our task) and can say with certainty it’s April-May the great time to go through the motions and get good rates on accommodations, with less traffic in the town and at trailheads, as well as to have the area almost all to yourself, Memorial Day weekend aside).
Pro-tip: Make sure you seal the solitude-attaining deal by traveling in the middle of the week and playing hooky either Friday or a Monday. Find our Estes Park lodge rental Rooms below.
Trail Ridge Road Opens
Trail Ridge Road, the most continuous and continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet when it crosses the Continental Divide through Rocky Mountain National Park and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. The road can be quite rough that high up, which is why the road is closed in the fall at a certain point. Historically, the road opens the weekend of Memorial Day weekend, though it also depends on the weather. The first time it was been opened was May 7 in 2002. The latest was on the most recent was on June 26 in 1943.
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway Opens, Too!
The Tram was inaugurated in July 1955. 3 million visitors have climbed to the top of Prospect Mountain on it. The Tram is open from Memorial Day to early September and provides one of our top sights from Estes Valley. Pro-tip: Try to go in the morning or late afternoon to experience smaller crowds, less wind, and better lighting for snapping selfies.
To See Wildlife And Their Spring Babes
“My favorite time of the year is when the elk calves have been created,” says wildlife photographer and Estes Park resident Dawn Wilson. The birth usually occurs around the middle of May, usually during Memorial Day. “The calves will have their spots and will be close to mom, who is especially vigilant,” she adds. so book your Estes Park lodging for families.
Waterfalls Start Flowing
The Colorado snowpack is the lifeblood of the West. As it melts and flows through valleys and rivers, it produces some beautiful waterfalls as well. While weather conditions can be difficult to predict and some trails remain covered it is possible to find ice or snow it could be an ideal moment to get the perfect waterfall shot.
To Get Patio Beer!
There is no better reward than sipping a cold beer on a warm patio following your first walk of spring? Estes Park is full of treasures in outdoor spots to have the barley pop. The Barrel is among the biggest (and one of the largest craft beer selections you’ll witness). This Wheel Bar downtown features an outdoor patio with an amazing view of the river. Local brewery Rockcut, as well as Lumpy Ridge both, have awesome outdoor areas.
To Experience Winter’s Last Waltz
The winter months last a bit longer in the highlands. If you’re a “turns every day of the year” kind of skier in the backcountry, you will find some spring snow to play with. Take a look at our “Off-Piste curious” blog or this fantastic Estes Park skiing primer from Teton Gravity Research.
